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Darkness to Light #2
A Prisoner of Versailles
Lavish and Luxurious Versailles
King Louis XIV's burgeoning palace is the place to be--and be seen. And the last place on earth Madeleine wants to be.
She's trapped there as a pampered prisoner. If she stays in France, she'll be forced to deny her faith. By escaping the King's long arm, she may find freedom--but it will cost her everything she holds dear.
Madeleine will need courage, hope, and total faith in God to outmaneuver the Sun King and reach her true destiny--and love--in another country.
King Louis XIV's burgeoning palace is the place to be--and be seen. And the last place on earth Madeleine wants to be.
She's trapped there as a pampered prisoner. If she stays in France, she'll be forced to deny her faith. By escaping the King's long arm, she may find freedom--but it will cost her everything she holds dear.
Madeleine will need courage, hope, and total faith in God to outmaneuver the Sun King and reach her true destiny--and love--in another country.
370 pages, Paperback
First published February 29, 2000
12 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
About the author
Golden Keyes Parsons
12 books83 followersGolden Keyes Parsons is a popular retreat and conference speaker, author of historical novels and an ordained pastor.
Her book, "In The Shadow Of The Sun King," (Thomas Nelson Publishing), first in a four-book series based on her family genealogy, released Fall 2008, and was named a finalist in the ACFW's Book of the Year Debut Author category. The book chronicles the saga of the Clavell family in 17th century France, where, as French Huguenots, they suffer persecution at the hands of Louis XIV's Catholic government.
The second book, "A Prisoner Of Versailles," was released September 2009. It was a finalist in RWA's Daphne contest as well as a Golden Scroll finalist.
Book Three, "Where Hearts Are Free" released in November of 2010 and was selected as a Women of Faith Library Selection.
His Steadfast Love, a Civil War novel set in Texas, which released in 2011 was named a finalist in the Readers' Choice Awards.
Parsons' biblical novella series released as ebooks through 2012 - 2013 and released as a compilation, Hidden Faces: Nameless Women in Scripture in April of 2014.
Her book, "In The Shadow Of The Sun King," (Thomas Nelson Publishing), first in a four-book series based on her family genealogy, released Fall 2008, and was named a finalist in the ACFW's Book of the Year Debut Author category. The book chronicles the saga of the Clavell family in 17th century France, where, as French Huguenots, they suffer persecution at the hands of Louis XIV's Catholic government.
The second book, "A Prisoner Of Versailles," was released September 2009. It was a finalist in RWA's Daphne contest as well as a Golden Scroll finalist.
Book Three, "Where Hearts Are Free" released in November of 2010 and was selected as a Women of Faith Library Selection.
His Steadfast Love, a Civil War novel set in Texas, which released in 2011 was named a finalist in the Readers' Choice Awards.
Parsons' biblical novella series released as ebooks through 2012 - 2013 and released as a compilation, Hidden Faces: Nameless Women in Scripture in April of 2014.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 29, 2014
There’s something about the writing of Golden Keyes Parsons that speaks deep to my soul. Her journeys through history never fail to leave me in a cathartic pool of tears. Her new release, Prisoner of Versailles, was certainly no exception.
Prisoner of Versailles is the second in the Darkness to Light trilogy, and like its predecessor, In the Shadow of the Sun King, takes place in the majestic court of Louis XIV. I have to admit, I love all things French. I had the pleasure of visiting Versailles last year, and these books sweep me right back to the grandeur and elegance of the palace.
In this second installment the beautiful Madeleine and her eldest son, Phillipe, are imprisoned within the glamorous walls of Versailles. Outmaneuvered my the magnificent sun king who wants her for his own, and convinced that God has abandoned her, Madeline feels she has no option but to turn to her own plans and save her family. This story is filled with dashing heroes, intriguing history, and thrilling adventure.
The book is also rich in spiritual depth. Perhaps the most important message is that even when we give up on God, He still never gives up on us. I adored the way God’s mercy and grace chased after Madeleine.
I look forward to the next novel of the Darkness to Light saga coming next year.
Prisoner of Versailles is the second in the Darkness to Light trilogy, and like its predecessor, In the Shadow of the Sun King, takes place in the majestic court of Louis XIV. I have to admit, I love all things French. I had the pleasure of visiting Versailles last year, and these books sweep me right back to the grandeur and elegance of the palace.
In this second installment the beautiful Madeleine and her eldest son, Phillipe, are imprisoned within the glamorous walls of Versailles. Outmaneuvered my the magnificent sun king who wants her for his own, and convinced that God has abandoned her, Madeline feels she has no option but to turn to her own plans and save her family. This story is filled with dashing heroes, intriguing history, and thrilling adventure.
The book is also rich in spiritual depth. Perhaps the most important message is that even when we give up on God, He still never gives up on us. I adored the way God’s mercy and grace chased after Madeleine.
I look forward to the next novel of the Darkness to Light saga coming next year.
November 3, 2025
A Prisoner of Versailles is the second book in the "Darkness to Light" Series by Golden Keyes Parsons, from Thomas Nelson Publishers.
I was pleasantly surprised with Prisoner. Although I enjoyed the first book (In the Shadow of the Sun King), this book was even better. The story was fast-moving, the heroine was more sympathetic, and there were lots of "King Louis" scenes, which to me make up some of this author's best writing. There was more of a romance, which is always enjoyable, and a bit more character-development of the key players.
I have to admit that I'd enjoy more authentic-sounding dialogue, and costume description of the ladies, including the hair styles; not in every word or sentence but a bit more to keep me in the time period. But anyone who enjoys a good historical setting with lots of action (derring-do, musketeers, royal courtiers!) will want to read this book. I was happy to return to it whenever I got the chance, and it has a satisfying ending--along with (happily) the promise of another sequel! I definitely look forward to it.
This book gets five stars, and the heroine is a "she's got character" lady for sure. Thanks to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a review copy.
I was pleasantly surprised with Prisoner. Although I enjoyed the first book (In the Shadow of the Sun King), this book was even better. The story was fast-moving, the heroine was more sympathetic, and there were lots of "King Louis" scenes, which to me make up some of this author's best writing. There was more of a romance, which is always enjoyable, and a bit more character-development of the key players.
I have to admit that I'd enjoy more authentic-sounding dialogue, and costume description of the ladies, including the hair styles; not in every word or sentence but a bit more to keep me in the time period. But anyone who enjoys a good historical setting with lots of action (derring-do, musketeers, royal courtiers!) will want to read this book. I was happy to return to it whenever I got the chance, and it has a satisfying ending--along with (happily) the promise of another sequel! I definitely look forward to it.
This book gets five stars, and the heroine is a "she's got character" lady for sure. Thanks to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a review copy.
October 27, 2009
A Prison her Versailles is enchanting story, full of historical information woven into romance, faith and suspense. The characters possess integrity, strength and perseverance. This is the first historical Christian book I've read that was set in France, and I must say, it was refreshing. While I enjoy American prairie romances and always will, it is nice to read something different. It has just enough flavor of the French language to give it a French flair, but not overwhelm someone who doesn't know the language.
As Madeleine Clavell is torn from her younger children by King Louis XIV's command, I felt the emotional turmoil and struggle she endured at the wails of her young daughter. The sense of her grief and aloneness from her husband's demise moved me. There is a sense of danger and fear of the unknown that keeps one reading to find out what will happen next and how they will escape. The specific elements I have discussed occur near the beginning and do not ruin the outcome of the story. I hope you will get a chance to read this book. I highly recommend it.
Book Description:
King Louis XIV's burgeoning palace is the place to be--and be seen. And the last place on earth Madeleine wants to be. She's trapped there as a pampered prisoner. If she stays in France, she'll be forced to deny her faith. By escaping the king's long arm, she may find freedom--but it will cost her everything she holds dear.
Madeleine will need courage, hope, and total faith in God to outmaneuver the Sun King and reach her true destiny--and love--in another country.
A Prisoner of Versailles continues the Darkness to Light saga that began with In the Shadow of the Sun King. (Note: I have not read the first book and was able to read and follow this book just fine.)
As Madeleine Clavell is torn from her younger children by King Louis XIV's command, I felt the emotional turmoil and struggle she endured at the wails of her young daughter. The sense of her grief and aloneness from her husband's demise moved me. There is a sense of danger and fear of the unknown that keeps one reading to find out what will happen next and how they will escape. The specific elements I have discussed occur near the beginning and do not ruin the outcome of the story. I hope you will get a chance to read this book. I highly recommend it.
Book Description:
King Louis XIV's burgeoning palace is the place to be--and be seen. And the last place on earth Madeleine wants to be. She's trapped there as a pampered prisoner. If she stays in France, she'll be forced to deny her faith. By escaping the king's long arm, she may find freedom--but it will cost her everything she holds dear.
Madeleine will need courage, hope, and total faith in God to outmaneuver the Sun King and reach her true destiny--and love--in another country.
A Prisoner of Versailles continues the Darkness to Light saga that began with In the Shadow of the Sun King. (Note: I have not read the first book and was able to read and follow this book just fine.)
November 14, 2009
The French Hugenots are a piece of history that most people don't know about. During the time of King Louis the XIV, he believed that everyone should be Catholic and the Hugenots were persecuted for their faith. Prisoner of Versilles is the sequel to Shadow of the Sun King and is even more gripping than the first one. Golden Keyes Parsons has created a family that is so real you will feel like you on going on their journey with them. Madeline grew up with the King and they once loved each other, now he wants her back even if its by force. With no regard for her family or home. In book one she travels to Versailles to beg for her family and home in the name of the old days. The King is not convinced and she must flee.
Now we follow Madeline as she tries to get her family out of the country and away from the King's reach. She is thwarted and is taken back to Versailles, against her will and with her oldest son. Can she be like Esther and save her family at the cost of herself? Is her son really the heir to the throne?
I was completely swept away by this story. The only good thing about this book ending is that I know there will be a third book to come out and I can't wait. Step back into history and walk the pathway of the past as you read this book and fall in love with Madeline's story!
Now we follow Madeline as she tries to get her family out of the country and away from the King's reach. She is thwarted and is taken back to Versailles, against her will and with her oldest son. Can she be like Esther and save her family at the cost of herself? Is her son really the heir to the throne?
I was completely swept away by this story. The only good thing about this book ending is that I know there will be a third book to come out and I can't wait. Step back into history and walk the pathway of the past as you read this book and fall in love with Madeline's story!
November 13, 2009
A Prisoner of Versailles by Golden Keyes Parsons is the second book in the Darkness to Light saga about the reign of Louis XIV. Madeleine Clavell and her family thought they had escaped the long arm of the king, until their whereabouts in Geneva are disclosed, and Madeleine and eldest son Philippe are captured and forced to return to Versailles and Louis' control. Pierre Bovee's aid to the Clavell family has also been discovered, placing him in the Bastille and unable to rescue Madeleine. I was thrilled when I first heard about this exciting series that captures the opulent lifestyle of the Sun King along with his persecution of the Hugenots. I am descended from Hugenots (one who served as a bodyguard to Louis' queen and escaped with her help) with the last name of Du Puy, so characters with that name were a bonus for me. Parsons portrays the suffocating voluptuousness of the French court along with its machinations and the need for constant wariness. Madeleine and Pierre's love story is beautifully rendered along with their battle to align their newfound faith with living under the king's thumb. Filled with romance, action, faith, and rich history, this is a terrifically enjoyable read.
October 6, 2009
Great story of 1400s France. A plot-driven tale rather than character-driven. It kept me up till the wee hours to see how it would end. I wish I'd read the first in the series. Am planning on reading the last one. Fascinating to think it's based on a real story. Very well-woven faith theme into the story without being preachy. It shows what the Huguenots of France were up against during the reign of Louis XIV. Loved the heroine and her faithful friend, Pierre.
January 22, 2010
The sequel to In the Shadow of the Sun King and I liked this second book even better than the first. My daughter in law and granddaughter (16) also loved these books. A great story of faith and hope and love with plenty of adventure and danger thrown in at the court of King Louis XIV in seventeenth century France. Good compelling read and especially if you love Christian novels.
January 25, 2010
A continuation of Book 1 - In the Shadow of the Sun King, Golden kept me interested to the end. Good plots, twists, and turns.
March 9, 2018
In The Shadow Of The Sun King, the first book in the Darkness To Light Series, made a deep impression on me when I read it in 2013. For a while, I had the rest of the trilogy in my “To Be Read” pile. Just this year, I read the second book in the series, A Prisoner Of Versailles, and found the writing of Golden Keyes Parsons just as deep, inspiring and challenging.
In A Prisoner Of Versailles, the story of how Madeleine and her family continues as they try to escape King Louis XIV in the Huguenot Persecution of the 1600’s. In the first few chapters, Madeleines husband, Francois, dies from consumption and the family is launched into the task of escaping to the new world without their husband, father and leader. As the family sets out to to leave Switzerland, King Louis sends Captain Paul Bovee and his soldiers to capture Madeleine and her oldest son, Philippe, to be taken back to Versailles. With the family separated, Madeleine struggles to see how the Lord will provide a way for them to leave Versailles peacefully and journey to the new world.
I’ve heard it said that “the second book is never as good as the first.” Well, that’s simply not true of A Prisoner Of Versailles. The author took the suspense, plot and spiritual depth from the first book and weaved it flawlessly into the second. The historical aspect is very important in this novel, as it emphasizes the time in France when King Louis XIV persecuted the Huguenots who would not convert to Catholicism. What we learn from this part of the story is how King Louis’ need for control reached beyond the border of France. In fact, he would send his soldiers into Switzerland and pay informants to tell his people where the Huguenots were and kidnap them, bringing them back into France for punishment. Nice guy, right? Throughout the book, Madeleine and Philippe are faced with a choice Believers still struggle with today - do we conform to the world around us, or, do we boldly stand for our faith? Every day, this mother and son had to resist the charms of Versailles and keep their hearts pure. I must say, I was very surprised and pleased how the author handled the temptations and questions Madeleine faced. To me, it made her real. She was no super-saint, but God worked through the people around her to strengthen her faith when she needed it most.
Conclusion: Though this book had a happy ending, the characters experienced a lot of heartache to finally reach a place of peace. When dealing with persecution, there must be sacrifice on someone’s part. I never would have guessed Paul Bovee to be that person, but his actions at the end of the book added a redemptive quality to the story that required a Kleenex box for me - there was no getting through that chapter without tears! Also, I really liked how the author set Pierre on a path of spiritual growth. In book one, he converted to Protestantism and you can see how the Lord really changed him in this second installment of the series. With the development of these characters plus Madeleine and Philippe facing temptation at court and the rest of the family holding onto faith in Switzerland, it is safe to say that this is a very deep book. The themes are thought provoking, the characters real and the history vibrant. A Prisoner Of Versailles is a fitting tribute to those who faced these trials in real life all those years ago in France. May their faith never be forgotten.
Romance Rating…
To me, there are three different ratings for romance…the way-to-gushy romance, the love at first sight/passionate romance and the sweet romance that makes friends, couples. A Prisoner Of Versailles seems to have a definition all its own. The romantic part between Madeleine and Pierre is extremely subtle! Even more subtle than a sweet romance.
Interested in hearing 60 second book talks? Follow me on Instagram at @lynns_chronicles
In A Prisoner Of Versailles, the story of how Madeleine and her family continues as they try to escape King Louis XIV in the Huguenot Persecution of the 1600’s. In the first few chapters, Madeleines husband, Francois, dies from consumption and the family is launched into the task of escaping to the new world without their husband, father and leader. As the family sets out to to leave Switzerland, King Louis sends Captain Paul Bovee and his soldiers to capture Madeleine and her oldest son, Philippe, to be taken back to Versailles. With the family separated, Madeleine struggles to see how the Lord will provide a way for them to leave Versailles peacefully and journey to the new world.
I’ve heard it said that “the second book is never as good as the first.” Well, that’s simply not true of A Prisoner Of Versailles. The author took the suspense, plot and spiritual depth from the first book and weaved it flawlessly into the second. The historical aspect is very important in this novel, as it emphasizes the time in France when King Louis XIV persecuted the Huguenots who would not convert to Catholicism. What we learn from this part of the story is how King Louis’ need for control reached beyond the border of France. In fact, he would send his soldiers into Switzerland and pay informants to tell his people where the Huguenots were and kidnap them, bringing them back into France for punishment. Nice guy, right? Throughout the book, Madeleine and Philippe are faced with a choice Believers still struggle with today - do we conform to the world around us, or, do we boldly stand for our faith? Every day, this mother and son had to resist the charms of Versailles and keep their hearts pure. I must say, I was very surprised and pleased how the author handled the temptations and questions Madeleine faced. To me, it made her real. She was no super-saint, but God worked through the people around her to strengthen her faith when she needed it most.
Conclusion: Though this book had a happy ending, the characters experienced a lot of heartache to finally reach a place of peace. When dealing with persecution, there must be sacrifice on someone’s part. I never would have guessed Paul Bovee to be that person, but his actions at the end of the book added a redemptive quality to the story that required a Kleenex box for me - there was no getting through that chapter without tears! Also, I really liked how the author set Pierre on a path of spiritual growth. In book one, he converted to Protestantism and you can see how the Lord really changed him in this second installment of the series. With the development of these characters plus Madeleine and Philippe facing temptation at court and the rest of the family holding onto faith in Switzerland, it is safe to say that this is a very deep book. The themes are thought provoking, the characters real and the history vibrant. A Prisoner Of Versailles is a fitting tribute to those who faced these trials in real life all those years ago in France. May their faith never be forgotten.
Romance Rating…
To me, there are three different ratings for romance…the way-to-gushy romance, the love at first sight/passionate romance and the sweet romance that makes friends, couples. A Prisoner Of Versailles seems to have a definition all its own. The romantic part between Madeleine and Pierre is extremely subtle! Even more subtle than a sweet romance.
Interested in hearing 60 second book talks? Follow me on Instagram at @lynns_chronicles
September 24, 2019
The author is clearly anti-Catholic, which is VERY ironic considering the genre is Christian Fiction.... Catholics are also Christians. I think this is one of my problems when reading Christian Fiction as I believe the best is when authors chose to write from a non-denominational perspective since the readers are able to identify the characters from their own faith. In regards to the historical context, religious persecution was HORRIBLE and carried out by many different faiths to exert their power over the people. We can see this through:
-Roman emancipation of Jesus' followers in AD
-The Catholic emancipation in England following King Henry VII's decision to start the Anglican faith
-The persecution of Catholics in Poland 1863 by Alexander II
-Hitler's plan to create the "Aryan race" and carry out his "Final Solution" by placing millions of Jews, disabled, homosexuals and Catholics into concentration camps
-Residential schools initiated by the Canadian government and many different Christian faiths
-The Christian persecution in the Middle East
The list goes on... and unfortunately still continues to exist today.
Nevertheless the people carrying out these persecutions are never deemed as "good" role models of their faith and when writing about these historical accounts, there needs to be some delicacy and tolerance on all parties' accounts.
-Roman emancipation of Jesus' followers in AD
-The Catholic emancipation in England following King Henry VII's decision to start the Anglican faith
-The persecution of Catholics in Poland 1863 by Alexander II
-Hitler's plan to create the "Aryan race" and carry out his "Final Solution" by placing millions of Jews, disabled, homosexuals and Catholics into concentration camps
-Residential schools initiated by the Canadian government and many different Christian faiths
-The Christian persecution in the Middle East
The list goes on... and unfortunately still continues to exist today.
Nevertheless the people carrying out these persecutions are never deemed as "good" role models of their faith and when writing about these historical accounts, there needs to be some delicacy and tolerance on all parties' accounts.
June 5, 2017
I found this book as good as the previous one, with lots of intrigue, danger, action, and romance. The danger here was more spiritual than physical for the most part, as Louis tries to seduce Madeleine and her son into living at Versailles and becoming his courtiers and Madeleine his mistress. There also is some derring do parts with Pierre and a touching resolution with his father, who ends up being a hero after all. That I must say was unexpected. But I liked it.
The descriptions in this book were wonderful, I could see the beautiful gardens, taste the food, and see the gorgeous clothing they wore. It was also interesting to see how there were traitors to the Huguenots of their own people, so they were not one-sidely represented here as the "better" people vs the Catholics.
I also liked how the romance was handled, with an acceptable period of mourning before new feelings were allowed to spring up in Madeleine. I can't wait to read the last one.
The descriptions in this book were wonderful, I could see the beautiful gardens, taste the food, and see the gorgeous clothing they wore. It was also interesting to see how there were traitors to the Huguenots of their own people, so they were not one-sidely represented here as the "better" people vs the Catholics.
I also liked how the romance was handled, with an acceptable period of mourning before new feelings were allowed to spring up in Madeleine. I can't wait to read the last one.
November 8, 2018
In dit tweede deel geraakt Madeleine Clavell helemaal verstrengeld in het web van Louis XIV. Zij en haar oudste zoon moeten verplicht in Versailles blijven en Madeleine zal offers moeten maken om haar andere kinderen, haar dochter Eline wordt ernstig ziek, weer te zien. Of is er toch nog een andere uitweg?
Ik ben door dit boek gevlogen. De focus ligt echt op de actie en de relaties tussen de verschillende personages nu en het historische verhaal gaat wat naar de achtergrond. Niettemin zit er een vlot tempo in het verhaal en gebeurt er genoeg om het boeiend te houden. Ook wel eens fijn om iets minder zwaar te lezen.
Op naar deel 3!
Ik ben door dit boek gevlogen. De focus ligt echt op de actie en de relaties tussen de verschillende personages nu en het historische verhaal gaat wat naar de achtergrond. Niettemin zit er een vlot tempo in het verhaal en gebeurt er genoeg om het boeiend te houden. Ook wel eens fijn om iets minder zwaar te lezen.
Op naar deel 3!
August 15, 2023
This was a very enjoyable and suspenseful sequel to "In The Shadow of the Sun King" - will Madeline be reunited with her family, and the nobleman she has come to love dearly, or will she be forced to compromise her principles and become what she swore she would never become - the mistress of the King, who is no longer the same Louis she loved in their youth? Pierre and Madeline struggle to reconcile their faith, their heartbreak over Francois' death and the oath Pierre swore to see the Clavell family to safety, with the perfidity of the assistant pastor and the King of France, who refuses to take Madeline's "no" for an answer.
January 7, 2021
4.5 stars
August 3, 2019
Preferred the first one
I remember the first book to be more exciting than this one. Overall, a basic adventure into the illusions of the court of Versailles. The intrigue was down, and the religious speeches were up from the last one. Not sure if I want to take on the third book.
I remember the first book to be more exciting than this one. Overall, a basic adventure into the illusions of the court of Versailles. The intrigue was down, and the religious speeches were up from the last one. Not sure if I want to take on the third book.
April 21, 2016
This is another great installment in the Darkness to Light series. There were a lot of great elements: death, heartbreak, betrayal, surprise attacks, escapes, mind games, and a happy ending. Again I really enjoyed the world she weaved for Madeleine and the tension between Catholics and Huguenots. I don't think this book was as strong as the first one, and my reasons involve a lot of spoilers. In the end, I was very satisfied with the conclusion of this book, and I am still very excited to read more in the future.
May 19, 2010
Title: A PRISONER OF VERSAILLES
Author: Golden Keyes Parsons
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
2009
ISBN: 978-1-59554-627-2
Genre: Inspirational/historical
Madeline Clavell, her husband, and their three children have fled from France to Switzerland, hoping to escape the long arm of King Louis XIV. Madeline’s family has plans to flee to the New World, but before they are able to go, her beloved husband dies, and Madeline is left to make new plans. She doesn’t want to leave Switzerland without her husband.
But King Louis XIV has fond memories of Madeline, and wants her and her oldest son, taken back to the palace unharmed. A spy in Switzerland has spilled the location of Madeline for “thirty pieces of silver.”
When Madeline’s past catches up with her, she finds herself a captive in King Louis XIV’s palace. Madeline cannot and will not deny Christ, yet it will take all the hope and faith she can muster to outmaneuver the king. And she may be forced to give up everyone she holds dear.
A PRISONER OF VERSAILLES is the second book in Ms. Parsons’ A Darkness to Light Novel series. The first book in the series was In the Shadow of the Sun King. I have read both books, but its been quite awhile since reading the first book. I had absolutely no trouble following along with what was happening.
Ms. Parsons’ is a talented writer, able to bring to live the tumultuous time period of the French Huguenots to life. Ms. Parsons’ herself is a descendant of these courageous people. Set in 17th century France, the story is rich with historical detail. Readers will cheer for Madeline as she struggles to go on living after the death of her husband and the captivity that follows. Discussion questions are enclosed. $14.99. 357 pages.
Author: Golden Keyes Parsons
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
2009
ISBN: 978-1-59554-627-2
Genre: Inspirational/historical
Madeline Clavell, her husband, and their three children have fled from France to Switzerland, hoping to escape the long arm of King Louis XIV. Madeline’s family has plans to flee to the New World, but before they are able to go, her beloved husband dies, and Madeline is left to make new plans. She doesn’t want to leave Switzerland without her husband.
But King Louis XIV has fond memories of Madeline, and wants her and her oldest son, taken back to the palace unharmed. A spy in Switzerland has spilled the location of Madeline for “thirty pieces of silver.”
When Madeline’s past catches up with her, she finds herself a captive in King Louis XIV’s palace. Madeline cannot and will not deny Christ, yet it will take all the hope and faith she can muster to outmaneuver the king. And she may be forced to give up everyone she holds dear.
A PRISONER OF VERSAILLES is the second book in Ms. Parsons’ A Darkness to Light Novel series. The first book in the series was In the Shadow of the Sun King. I have read both books, but its been quite awhile since reading the first book. I had absolutely no trouble following along with what was happening.
Ms. Parsons’ is a talented writer, able to bring to live the tumultuous time period of the French Huguenots to life. Ms. Parsons’ herself is a descendant of these courageous people. Set in 17th century France, the story is rich with historical detail. Readers will cheer for Madeline as she struggles to go on living after the death of her husband and the captivity that follows. Discussion questions are enclosed. $14.99. 357 pages.
September 6, 2009
A PRISONER OF VERSAILLES is an improvement over the first in the series, In the Shadow of the Sun King, but still only an okay read. Readers who are interested in the series would benefit from reading the previous entry beforehand, as this does not standalone.
I don't generally read Christian fiction and would not have gotten this had I known ahead of time that it was an Inspirational novel (and the second in a series besides). Since that is partly my fault, I still decided to give it a fair chance and see if the basic plot could overcome my worries. Sadly, it didn't, but not necessarily because of the religious usages, which could be over-the-top at times, but mainly due to a plot that's rather unoriginal and uninspiring.
I did find myself enjoying the first half of the book, but then my interest started dwindling as the story lost my attention. Unfortunately, the main character, Madeleine, still isn't fleshed out enough for me to care what happens to her, but unlike the first book, there were a few characters who were better drawn out: Pierre, Philippe, and Robert. However, since Madeleine is supposed to be someone who readers should care and root for, this is a big downfall for the story.
All in all, the book is better written, the story flows better, and the characters have improved since the last novel, but I seriously doubt I'll look for the conclusion to the series. 2.5 stars
I don't generally read Christian fiction and would not have gotten this had I known ahead of time that it was an Inspirational novel (and the second in a series besides). Since that is partly my fault, I still decided to give it a fair chance and see if the basic plot could overcome my worries. Sadly, it didn't, but not necessarily because of the religious usages, which could be over-the-top at times, but mainly due to a plot that's rather unoriginal and uninspiring.
I did find myself enjoying the first half of the book, but then my interest started dwindling as the story lost my attention. Unfortunately, the main character, Madeleine, still isn't fleshed out enough for me to care what happens to her, but unlike the first book, there were a few characters who were better drawn out: Pierre, Philippe, and Robert. However, since Madeleine is supposed to be someone who readers should care and root for, this is a big downfall for the story.
All in all, the book is better written, the story flows better, and the characters have improved since the last novel, but I seriously doubt I'll look for the conclusion to the series. 2.5 stars
November 22, 2010
To sum it up, in A Prisoner of Versailles, part two of the Darkness to Light series, we follow the story of Madeleine, forced to flee France because of her Huguenot beliefs. However, the "Sun King" pursues and imprisons her because he mistakenly believes that that her eldest son, Phillipe, might be his. While she is trapped at Versailles, she reunites with her new love, Pierre who she hopes can help her gain freedom. Caught in a velvet prison with the welfare of her children at stake, Madeleine is forced to decide whether she will hold true to her faith or give in to a vain and seductive lifestyle. This was supposed to be an uplifting story set in a historical time, however, I just barely made it through to the end. It was just WAY TOO preachy and overbearing. Even more so than the first book in this series, and the author's writing did not improve with experience as one would have hoped, either.
September 4, 2010
In A Prisoner of Versailles, part two of the Darkness to Light series, we follow the story of Madeleine, forced to flee France because of her Huguenot beliefs. The "Sun King" pursues and imprisons her, however. Can the man she loves help her gain freedom? Caught in a velvet prison and with the welfare of her children at stake, Madeleine is forced to decide whether she will hold true to her faith or give in to a vain and seductive lifestyle.
Golden Keyes Parsons' vivid writing style brings the Court of King Louis XIV alive. The quick pace and well-plotted story draws the reader, and the intimate characterizations ring true. Women who enjoy historical fiction will appreciate A Prisoner of Versailles.
Golden Keyes Parsons' vivid writing style brings the Court of King Louis XIV alive. The quick pace and well-plotted story draws the reader, and the intimate characterizations ring true. Women who enjoy historical fiction will appreciate A Prisoner of Versailles.
November 28, 2012
I did not like this book as well as the first one in the series. I am starting to dislike the main character, Madeleine (she is not sticking to her convictions)which colors my whole impression of the book. It seemed like there wasn't as much action as the first book which made it boring. I think the series could have been written as one book instead of three. I will read the third book just to see how it ends, but I'm hoping it's more enjoyable than A Prisoner of Versailles.
November 22, 2009
A second part of the story, a Huegnot in France who needs to escape from King Louis. Her husband dies, and she is taken to the palace because King Louis thinks that her oldest son, Phillipe, might be his. While she is there, she reunites with her new love, Pierre. They end up escaping together and start towards the new world. Uplifting story set in a historical time.
December 25, 2010
Perhaps researched well, however not a solid story. I do not like it when books pull you directly into a character's family in a way that is so forced. And introductions written in a way that seem wooden. The hardships are not believable and the tone of the book is sometimes not up to time period. The over all writing is mediocre.
June 28, 2011
This is actually based on my husband's ancestors --- the Clavells. Golden Keyes Parsons is a distant cousin. I really enjoyed this series and am looking forward to book #4 to be released late this year in Nov 2011.
September 5, 2009
I cannot finish this. It is much too preachy and overbearing. Mediocre writing as well.
February 12, 2010
Book 2 in the Darkness to Light series.
November 30, 2010
Better than the first book. There still needs to be more tension in the plot, but its a nice easy read.
April 15, 2011
Very interesting! I think I liked it more than the first one. Looking forward to reading the last one to wrap up the trilogy, then I'll share my thoughts.
January 27, 2016
2* A sequel, much the same as the first book. I'll never read it again.
May 14, 2013
Amazing! Thrilling! Rich!It definitely made me think!
I couldn't put it down!
I couldn't put it down!
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